Booking a Walt Disney World Resort is usually one of the most exciting parts of planning a vacation. But before choosing a hotel for a trip this fall, it's worth checking whether construction will be taking place during your stay. Disney has refurbishment projects scheduled at a dozen resorts between August and early November 2026, and while the hotels remain open, some guests may notice renovations happening around them.
The work ranges from guest room updates to restaurant renovations and recreation area improvements. Some projects will have only a minor impact, while others could temporarily change parts of the resort experience. Here's where construction is expected this fall.
Value Resorts Stay Mostly Quiet
Among Disney's Value Resorts, only one property has a major refurbishment underway.
Disney's All-Star Movies Resort continues updating guest rooms through late January 2027. Rather than closing the hotel, Disney is renovating rooms in phases, allowing most of the resort to continue operating as usual while work progresses from building to building.
Guests should still have access to pools, dining options, transportation, and recreational activities, although those staying near construction zones may hear daytime construction noise.
Moderate Resorts Continue Receiving Updates
Construction is more noticeable at Disney's Moderate Resorts, where two hotels are undergoing ongoing projects.
Disney's Coronado Springs Resort begins refurbishment of its Convention Center on August 10, 2026. Because the work focuses on convention facilities, meeting attendees will likely experience the biggest changes. Most leisure travelers, however, may notice very little depending on where their rooms are located.
At Disney's Port Orleans Resort – Riverside, Disney continues refurbishing Magnolia Bend guest rooms through August 2027. Buildings are closing one at a time while renovations are completed, leaving construction walls in portions of that section of the resort.
Guests hoping for the quietest experience may want to request rooms away from active construction.
Deluxe Resorts Have the Most Activity
The largest collection of refurbishment projects is happening across Disney's Deluxe Resorts.
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge – Jambo House remains in the middle of a guest room refurbishment that continues through January 2027. Disney is rotating construction throughout the resort, so some accommodations remain unavailable while work progresses.
Disney's BoardWalk Inn also continues refurbishments in select areas during 2026. While the resort remains open, guests could encounter temporary construction walls and occasional daytime noise.
At Disney's Contemporary Resort, Bay Lake Tower continues work on the Bay Cove Pool, whirlpool, splash area, and surrounding recreation spaces. That project extends through late 2027, requiring guests to use alternate recreation options while the area remains closed.
Disney's Polynesian Village Resort also continues select-area refurbishment throughout 2026. Although the resort's largest expansion projects have wrapped up, crews are still working in parts of the property. Most visitors should experience a normal stay, even if construction is visible in some locations.
Grand Floridian Has Two Projects Underway
Guests staying at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa will encounter both construction and dining changes.
Renovations around the covered entrance will continue into early 2027, creating temporary walkways and modified arrival routes.
The Grand Floridian Café also remains closed from mid-July through October 2026 for refurbishment. During the closure, brunch service has temporarily moved to Citricos until the restaurant reopens later this fall.
Checking dining schedules before arriving may help prevent unexpected changes to vacation plans.
Disney Vacation Club Resorts Remain Busy
Several Disney Vacation Club resorts also continue receiving updates.
Disney's Old Key West Resort is undergoing guest room renovations throughout 2026. Disney is completing the work in phases, resulting in rotating room closures and construction activity across various parts of the resort.
At Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, Turf Club Bar & Grill remains under refurbishment through mid-September 2026 while continuing to operate with temporary modifications.
The nearby Treehouse Villas at Saratoga Springs also remain under exterior refurbishment through September. During that time, some villas will stay unavailable while crews complete improvements.
Although these projects are generally less disruptive than larger renovations, guests should still expect to see active work around portions of the resorts.
Several Resorts Currently Have No Major Refurbishment Projects
Fortunately, several Disney Resort hotels are not expected to experience significant guest-impacting construction this fall.
Disney has not announced major refurbishment projects for Disney's All-Star Music Resort, Disney's All-Star Sports Resort, Disney's Art of Animation Resort, Disney's Beach Club Resort, Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney's Pop Century Resort, Disney's Riviera Resort, or Disney's Yacht Club Resort.
Disney's Wilderness Lodge continues its exterior refurbishment work, but the project has remained relatively low-impact, with the resort's primary amenities operating throughout construction.
Routine maintenance is always possible, but these hotels currently have no large-scale projects expected to affect most guests during the fall season noticeably.
A Little Planning Can Go a Long Way
Disney regularly refurbishes its resorts to keep rooms, restaurants, and recreational spaces in good condition. While those improvements benefit future guests, they can also create temporary inconveniences for travelers visiting during construction.
Before finalizing your fall vacation plans, take a few minutes to review your resort's refurbishment schedule. Knowing what work is taking place ahead of time can help you choose the hotel that best fits the kind of Walt Disney World vacation you're hoping to enjoy.
